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Saints consider playing North

Northampton are considering selecting George North for next week's clash with Bath after he was left out of Wales' squad this weekend.

North was the subject of a great deal of controversy after staying on during Wales' loss to England despite suffering two knocks to the head.

While he was passed fit to play for Wales against Scotland this weekend, Warren Gatland chose to go with Liam Williams instead, preferring to rest North after three knocks to the head in his last two Tests.

However Saints boss Jim Mallinder believes that North could have played this weekend, and is considering playing him in the top of the table clash against Bath next weekend.

"The positive thing is that he has recovered, he’s had no symptoms and has been passed fit to play this weekend," Mallinder told the Northampton Chronicle.

"I’ve noticed that they haven’t selected him, which is an interesting one seeing as he is fit, but that’s life.

"George is now going to have to work hard and get back in the team.

"I’ll be having a chat with George. We’re in no rush and we certainly haven’t been thinking of selecting him this weekend.

"Potentially we could have, because he’s been passed fit, but it’s best for him to make sure he does fully recover from that bang and make sure he’s fit for next week."